Abstract [en]

Introduction: There are several inaccurate stereotypes prevailing social work which might depend on the public not knowing enough about social work profession. Inaccurate perceptions and lack of approval can damage the professional status of a social worker in the long run. It is important to analyze from where the negative or inaccurate perceptions emanate from. 6 University students were interviewed about their perceptions about social work and the results were contextualized by adding the welfare state regimes. This study focused on exploring perceptions about how University students in Sweden and Hungary understand social problems along with responsibility and status of a social worker. Methodology: Qualitative methodology is used. Semi-structured interviews of six University students were conducted. The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism by Gøsta Esping-Andersen was the theory used in the study which guided the research process. Main Findings: It is not likely to be knowledgeable about social work if one does not have personal experience from social services. Hungarian interviewees showed a weaker knowledge about social work compared to Swedish interviewees. This might be because of the different structures that lay different amount of responsibility on the society to prevent social problems. In Sweden organizing social services is included in the state’s responsibility while in Hungary the status of social work is more vague. Conclusion: The findings of the study imply the need for promoting social work as a profession especially in Hungary.